Carbon dioxide dry cleaning system

ABSTRACT

A carbon dioxide dry cleaning system features a pair of liquid carbon dioxide storage tanks in communication with a compressor. A sealed cleaning chamber contains the objects to be cleaned. By selectively pressurizing the storage tanks with the compressor, liquid carbon dioxide is made to flow to the cleaning chamber through cleaning nozzles so as to provide agitation of the objects being dry cleaned. Liquid carbon dioxide displaced from the cleaning chamber returns to the storage tanks. In an alternative embodiment, a single storage tank is pressurized via a compressor with gas from the cleaning chamber so that liquid solvent from the storage tank travels to the cleaning chamber through nozzles. The objects in the cleaning chamber are agitated by a rotating basket. After a prewash cycle, liquid solvent from the cleaning chamber is directed to a still. The liquid solvent in the still is boiled through a connection with the head space of the cleaning chamber. The still may be positioned within the storage tank and partially surrounded with a shroud for efficient heating of the still with gas from the cleaning chamber. During agitation, liquid solvent from the cleaning chamber may be heated and filtered.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/835,168filed Apr. 13, 2001, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. applicationSer. No. 09/313,426, filed May 17, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,216,302,which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/979,060,filed Nov. 26, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,904,737.

BACKGROUND

The present invention generally relates to carbon dioxide dry cleaningsystems and, more particularly, to improved carbon dioxide dry cleaningsystems that purify and reclaim carbon dioxide without the use ofheaters and that do not use pumps to move liquid carbon dioxide.

The dry cleaning industry makes up one of the largest groups of chemicalusers that come into direct contact with the general public. Currently,the dry cleaning industry primarily uses perchloroethylene (“perc”) andpetroleum-based solvents. These solvents present health and safety risksand are detrimental to the environment. More specifically, perc is asuspected carcinogen while petroleum-based solvents are flammable andproduce smog. For these reasons, the dry cleaning industry is engaged inan ongoing search for alternative, safe and environmentally “green”cleaning technologies, substitute solvents and methods to controlexposure to dry cleaning chemicals.

Liquid carbon dioxide has been identified as a solvent that is aninexpensive and an unlimited natural resource. Furthermore, liquidcarbon dioxide is non-toxic, non-flammable and does not produce smog.Liquid carbon dioxide does not damage fabrics or dissolve common dyesand exhibits solvating properties typical of more traditional solvents.Its properties make it a good dry cleaning medium for fabrics andgarments. As a result, several dry cleaning systems utilizing carbondioxide as a solvent have been developed.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,012,194 to Maffei discloses a simple dry cleaningprocess wherein garments are placed in a cylinder and liquid carbondioxide is gravity fed thereto from a refrigerated storage tank. Theliquid carbon dioxide passes through the garments, removing soil, and istransferred to an evaporator. The evaporator vaporizes the carbondioxide so that the soil is left behind. The vaporized carbon dioxide ispumped to a condenser and the liquid carbon dioxide produced thereby isreturned to the refrigerated storage tank.

The system of Maffei, however, does not disclose a means for agitatingthe garments. Furthermore, because the system of Maffei does notdisclose a means for pressurizing the chamber, the carbon dioxide mustbe very cold to remain in a liquid state. Both of these limitationsinhibit the cleaning performance of the Maffei system.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,267,455 to Dewees et al. discloses a system whereinliquid carbon dioxide is pumped to a pressurized cleaning chamber from apressurized storage vessel. The cleaning chamber features a basketcontaining the soiled garments. The interior of the basket includesprojecting vanes so that a tumbling motion is induced upon the garmentswhen the basket is rotated by an electric motor. This causes thegarments to drop and splash into the solvent. This method of agitation,known as the “drop and splash” technique, is used by the majority oftraditional dry cleaning systems. After agitation, a compressed gas ispumped into the chamber to replace the liquid carbon dioxide. Thedisplaced “dirty” liquid carbon dioxide is pumped to a vaporizer whichis equipped with an internal heat exchanger. This allows “clean” gaseouscarbon dioxide to be recovered and routed back to the storage vessel.

While the system of Dewees et al. overcomes the shortcomings of Maffei,namely; the lack of an agitation means and a pressurized cleaningchamber, it relies upon a pump to move its liquid carbon dioxide andutilizes a heat exchanger in its vaporizer. Both of these components addcomplexity, cost and maintenance requirements to the system.

Many patents have disclosed improved agitation arrangements for carbondioxide dry cleaning systems. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,492 toChao et al. discloses a fixed perforated basket combined with a varietyof agitation techniques. These include “gas bubble/boiling agitation”where the liquid carbon dioxide in the basket is boiled, “liquidagitation” where nozzles spraying carbon dioxide tumble the liquid andgarments, “sonic agitation” where sonic nozzles create agitating wavesand “stirring agitation” where an impeller creates the fluid agitation.The remaining portion of the system of Chao, however, does not providefor a significant improvement over Dewees et al. in that a pump is stillrelied upon to move the liquid carbon dioxide from the system storagecontainer to the cleaning chamber.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,651,276 to Purer et al. discloses an agitation techniquewhich removes particulate soils from fabrics by gas jets. This gasagitation process is performed separately from the solvent-immersionprocess. Purer et al. further disclose that carbon dioxide may beemployed both as the gas and the solvent. U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,251 toTownsend et al. discloses a rotating basket for a carbon dioxide drycleaning system powered by a hydraulic flow emitted by a number ofnozzles. This eliminates the need for rotating seals and drive shafts.While these two patents address agitation techniques, they do notaddress the remaining portion of the dry cleaning system.

Finally, the Hughes DRYWASH carbon dioxide dry cleaning machine,manufactured by Hughes Aircraft Company of Los Angeles, Calif., utilizesa pump to fill a pressurized cleaning chamber with liquid carbondioxide. The cleaning chamber contains a fixed basket featuring fournozzles. As the basket is being filled with carbon dioxide, all fournozzles are open. Once the basket is filled, however, two of the nozzlesare closed. The remaining two open nozzles are positioned so that theycreate an agitating vortex within the basket as liquid carbon dioxideflows through them. Soil-laden liquid carbon dioxide exits the basketand chamber and is routed to a lint trap and filter train. Furthermore,the system features a still that contains an electric heater so thatsoluble impurities may be removed.

While the Hughes DRYWASH system is effective, it also suffers the cost,maintenance and reliability disadvantages associated with a liquid pumpand an electrically heated still.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide animproved carbon dioxide dry cleaning system that utilizes both thesolvent properties of carbon dioxide and agitation to remove insolubleparticles.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improvedcarbon dioxide dry cleaning system that moves liquid solvent without theuse of a pump.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improvedcarbon dioxide dry cleaning system that is economical to operate.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide animproved carbon dioxide dry cleaning system that filters and distillsits solvent.

These and other objects of the invention will be apparent from theremaining portion of the Specification.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a liquid carbon dioxide drycleaning system that moves liquid carbon dioxide without the use of apump. Because liquid carbon dioxide, when used as a solvent, is at ahigh pressure and in a saturated state, suitable pumps are expensive andnot nearly as reliable as devices used for ambient temperature liquids.

A first embodiment of the system features a pair of storage tankscontaining liquid carbon dioxide. A compressor initially is connected incircuit between the head space of one of the storage tanks and a sealedcleaning chamber containing the objects being dry cleaned. The liquidside of the storage tank is connected to the cleaning chamber. As aresult, the storage tank is pressurized so that liquid carbon dioxideflows from it to the cleaning chamber.

Next, the compressor is placed in circuit between the storage tanks sothat gas may be withdrawn from the now empty storage tank and used topressurize the other storage tank, also filled with liquid carbondioxide. The liquid side of the empty storage tank remains connected tothe cleaning chamber while the liquid side of the full storage tank isconnected to cleaning nozzles within the cleaning chamber. As a result,when the full storage tank is pressurized, liquid carbon dioxide flowsfrom it, through the nozzles and into the cleaning chamber so as toagitate the objects being cleaned. The displaced liquid carbon dioxidefrom the cleaning chamber flows back to the empty storage tank.

The agitation pressure may be controlled so that delicate objects may becleaned without damage. Solvent additives may also be injected into theliquid carbon dioxide.

A still, submerged in the liquid carbon dioxide within one of thestorage tanks, receives soiled liquid carbon dioxide from the cleaningchamber. Gas is withdrawn from the still by the compressor and is usedto pressurize the storage tank containing the still. Alternatively, thestill may be connected to the liquid side of a low pressure transfertank. As a result, gas from the still is returned to the transfer tankwhere it is recondensed by the cold liquid carbon dioxide containedtherein. In either case, the pressure difference created between thestill and storage tank causes the soiled liquid carbon dioxide to boildue to the heat supplied by the liquid carbon dioxide surrounding thestill. This removes the carbon dioxide in gaseous form leaving thecontaminants in the still. Heat is also removed from the liquid carbondioxide surrounding the still without reducing the heat in the systemand without mechanical refrigeration.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention includes a cleaningchamber containing objects to be cleaned and a storage tank containing asupply of liquid solvent such as liquid carbon dioxide. A compressorpressurizes the storage tank with gas from the cleaning chamber so thatliquid solvent is delivered to the cleaning chamber through nozzles. Thecleaning chamber includes a basket rotatably mounted therein foragitating the objects during one or more prewash and wash cycles. Atransfer tank contains an additional supply of liquid solvent andselectively communicates with the cleaning chamber so that additionalsolvent may be added to the system.

The system features a still containing contaminated liquid solventreceived from the cleaning chamber after a previous prewash cycle. Thecleaning chamber is pressurized with gas from the still so that thecontaminated liquid solvent in the still is vaporized and transferred tosaid cleaning chamber. The compressor may be used to accelerate thisprocess. The still may be equipped with a steam supply line or otherheating means for improved boiling. The still may optionally be placedwithin the storage tank and partially surrounded with a shroud to directwarm gas from the compressor as it withdraws gas from the cleaningchamber to efficiently heat the still promoting the boiling of thecontaminated liquid within.

The system includes a filter for filtering liquid solvent from the washchamber after each wash cycle. A dispenser injects additives such asdetergent and softeners into the liquid solvent exiting the filter. Oneor more prewash cycles may be performed after which liquid solvent fromthe cleaning chamber bypasses the carbon portion of the filter andtravels directly to the still.

During the wash cycles liquid solvent may be withdrawn from the cleaningchamber, filtered and returned to the cleaning chamber so that constantfiltration is provided. Solvent gas may be withdrawn from the storagetank so that the liquid therein boils. The resulting vapor may be raisedin pressure and temperature by the compressor and introduced into theliquid solvent in the cleaning chamber so that the liquid solvent iswarmed and its cleaning properties are enhanced.

Pressure relief valves are positioned between the cleaning chamber andthe head space of the storage tank and the filter and the head space ofthe storage tank to relieve pressure in the cleaning chamber and filterin the event of an emergency system shutdown without venting gas to theatmosphere.

For a more complete understanding of the nature and scope of theinvention, reference may now be had to the following detaileddescription of embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with theappended claims and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1M are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of anembodiment of the carbon dioxide dry cleaning system of the presentinvention wherein three carbon dioxide tanks are used;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the system of FIGS. 1A-1M showing theagitation pressure control system;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams of a second embodiment of thecarbon dioxide dry cleaning system of the present invention including aheat sink, recondensing coils in one of the storage tanks and a solventadditive dispenser;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the carbondioxide dry cleaning system of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of the carbondioxide dry cleaning system of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a fifth embodiment of the carbondioxide dry cleaning system of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION

An embodiment of the carbon dioxide dry cleaning system of the presentinvention is shown in FIG. 1A. A cold transfer tank, indicated at 12,contains a supply of liquid carbon dioxide at a pressure between 200 and250 psi and at a temperature of approximately −15° F. Preferably, theliquid carbon dioxide contains additives to promote better cleaning anddeodorizing. Transfer tank 12 is sized to hold approximately two week'sworth of liquid carbon dioxide. Transfer tank 12 may be refilled from amobile delivery tanker in a conventional manner.

High pressure storage tanks 18 and 20 contain liquid carbon dioxide at apressure of approximately 650 to 690 psi. The two storage tanks may berefilled from transfer tank 12 when they become depleted. This may bedone between each garment load or one time in the morning. To performrefilling, the head space of transfer tank 12 is initially connected tothe head spaces of storage tanks 18 and 20 so that their pressures areequalized. This is shown in FIG. 1A by line 28.

Then, as shown in FIG. 1B, the head spaces of storage tanks 18 and 20are connected to the suction side of a compressor 14. The discharge sideof compressor 14 is connected to the head space of transfer tank 12. Asa result, the pressure in transfer tank 12 is increased while thepressure in storage tanks 18 and 20 is decreased. This causes liquidcarbon dioxide to flow at a high pressure, as indicated by thick line30, from the liquid side of transfer tank 12 to the liquid sides ofstorage tanks 18 and 20.

Once storage tanks 18 and 20 are properly filled with a supply of liquidcarbon dioxide, the dry cleaning process may begin. While the system ofthe present invention is described and discussed below in terms of drycleaning fabrics, it is to be understood that the system may be usedalternatively to perform other cleaning tasks where liquid carbondioxide is an appropriate solvent. For example, the system could be usedto degrease mechanical parts.

Referring to FIG. 1B, soiled garments or the like are placed in cleaningchamber 32. The door 34 of the cleaning chamber 32 features a seal, suchas a large rubber O-ring, so that the chamber may be pressurized whenthe door is closed. In addition, door 34 features an interlocking systemso as to prevent the door from opening while chamber 32 is pressurized.Such interlocking systems are well known in the art. Once the garmentsare loaded, and cleaning chamber 32 sealed, the air therein is evacuatedusing compressor 14, as shown by line 42 in FIG. 1B. This is done toprevent condensation when the chamber is pressurized.

Next, as shown by line 44 in FIG. 1C, the head space of one of thestorage tanks (tank 20 in FIG. 1C) is connected to the chamber so thatthe latter is pressurized with carbon dioxide gas to an intermediatepressure of about 70 psi. Once chamber 32 is pressurized to anintermediate pressure, it may be filled with high pressure liquid carbondioxide without the formation of dry ice or the occurrence of extremethermal shock.

As shown in FIG. 1D, high pressure liquid carbon dioxide is then fedthrough line 50 via the pressure differential between storage tank 20and cleaning chamber 32. This almost completely fills the chamber 32without the use of a compressor or pump. Because chamber 32 and storagetank 20 (and storage tank 18) are approximately the same size, thecarbon dioxide remaining in storage tank 20 may be used to finishfilling chamber 32. This is accomplished, as shown in FIG. 1E, by usingcompressor 14 to remove carbon dioxide gas from chamber 32 and direct itback to storage tank 20. This forces the liquid carbon dioxide remainingin storage tank 20 into chamber 32 so as to completely fill it.

At this point, the liquid carbon dioxide within filled chamber 32 is ata pressure and temperature of about 650 psi and 54° F., respectively. Ithas been determined that liquid carbon dioxide is an effective solventat such a temperature and that it will not harm most fabrics. The systemis now ready to begin the agitation process. Agitation is necessary sothat the system may remove non-soluble particles that are not removedmerely by submersing the garments in the liquid carbon dioxide.

The configuration of the system during the initial portion of theagitation process is shown in FIG. 1F. The suction side of compressor 14is connected to the top of empty storage tank 20. The discharge side ofcompressor 14 is connected to the head space of filled storage tank 18so that the pressure therein is increased.

When the pressure differential between chamber 32 and storage tank 18reaches at least 150 psi, that is, when the pressure in storage tank 18is greater than 800 psi, high pressure liquid carbon dioxide ispermitted to flow to chamber 32, as indicated by line 52. This flow isdirected into chamber 32 through a first set of cleaning nozzles 53.Such nozzles are known in the art. This causes the garments and fluid inchamber 32 to rotate past the cleaning nozzles. Displaced liquid flowsout of the top of chamber 32, through lint and button traps 54 andfilter 56 and finally is returned to storage tank 20 at a low pressure,as indicated by cross-hatched line 58. The angles of the nozzles mayoptionally be adjustable from outside of the cleaning chamber 32 so thatthe agitation may be tailored to the specific load.

After approximately one minute, the carbon dioxide flow is terminatedand the system is reconfigured as shown in FIG. 1G so that the agitationmay be “reversed.” More specifically, the suction side of compressor 14is connected to the top of nearly emptied storage tank 18 while thedischarge side is connected to nearly filled storage tank 20. Storagetank 20 is pressurized to over 800 psi by the flow of carbon dioxidegas.

Liquid carbon dioxide then flows out of tank 20 to chamber 32, asillustrated by line 60, where it passes through a second set of cleaningnozzles 61 that reverse the rotation of the garments. This causes thegarments that have collected in the center of chamber 32 to now move tothe outside where they will be subjected to the action of the cleaningnozzles. Displaced liquid flows out of the top of chamber 32 and throughlint and button traps 54 and filter 56 and is returned to storage tank18 at a low pressure, as indicated by cross-hatched line 62. The cyclesof FIGS. 1F and 1G are preferably repeated approximately five to seventimes for a total period of about ten to twelve minutes.

As shown in FIG. 1F, the system includes a standard refrigerationcircuit, indicated generally at 64. The operation of such circuits iswell known in the art. As is typical in the art, refrigeration circuit64 features a compressor 65, fan-assisted cooling coil 66 and heatexchanger 67. Heat exchanger 67 permits refrigeration circuit 64 to coolthe liquid carbon dioxide flowing to chamber 32 along line 52. As aresult, heat from chamber 32 may be removed as it warms up duringagitation or if it has warmed up between garment loads or overnight.

Soluble contaminants, such as soils and dyes, gradually accumulate inthe liquid carbon dioxide during the agitation process and must beperiodically removed. Referring to FIG. 1H, this is accomplished bystill 70. Still 70, which is positioned within, for example, storagetank 18, operates during the agitation process and distillsapproximately 3% of the carbon dioxide in chamber 32 per load ofgarments.

Still 70, filled during a previous cycle in the manner described below,contains liquid carbon dioxide from chamber 32. Distillation isinitiated by connecting the head space of still 70 with the liquid sideof transfer tank 12. As a result, carbon dioxide gas flows to transfertank 12 from still 70, as indicated by line 72, so that the pressure inthe still is reduced. Meanwhile, as storage tanks 18 and 20 cyclethrough the agitation process described above, the pressure andtemperature in storage tank 18 will rise so that the warmer temperatureof the liquid carbon surrounding still 70 causes the liquid carbondioxide therein to boil. As the liquid carbon dioxide in still 70vaporizes, soil and dye residue is left behind inside the still shell.The carbon dioxide vapor flows through line 72 to transfer tank 12 whereit is condensed as pure carbon dioxide.

It is necessary to drain the accumulated soil and die residue from still70 for every garment load. This is accomplished, as shown in FIG. 1H, byopening valve 74 for approximately two seconds. This allows the pressurewithin still 70 to “blast” the residue out of the bottom of still, asindicated by line 76, where it is collected in a container for disposal.

After the completion of the agitation process, it is necessary to refillstill 70 with liquid carbon dioxide from chamber 32. This may beaccomplished in the manner illustrated in FIG. 11. The suction side ofcompressor 14 is connected to the head spaces of storage tanks 18 and20, while the discharge is connected to chamber 32. Accordingly,compressor 14 extracts gas from tanks 18 and 20 and uses it topressurize chamber 32. As indicated by line 80, this causes the liquidcarbon dioxide in chamber 32 to flow to still 70, through lint andbutton traps 54 and filter 56 so that still 70 is filled and pressurizedto approximately 650 to 690 psi. Once still 70 is filled with liquidcarbon dioxide, the remaining liquid carbon dioxide from chamber 32 isrouted, via line 82 to storage containers 18 and 20. By draining chamber32 in this manner, there is a reduced possibility of liquid entrapmentor ice formation.

At this point, chamber 32 is at a pressure of about 650 psi and is emptyof carbon dioxide liquid, except for a small amount trapped between thefibers of the garments. The remaining liquid in the garments may beremoved in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 1J and 1K. As illustrated inFIG. 1J, the suction side of compressor 14 is connected to chamber 32,while the discharge side is connected to the head spaces of storagetanks 18 and 20. Compressor 14 is then activated so that the pressure inchamber 32 is reduced to about 420 psi. As this occurs, the pressure instorage tanks 18 and 20 is increased to about 670 psi.

Next, as shown in FIG. 1K, the head spaces of storage tanks 18 and 20are connected to a set of blasting jets 83 in the bottom of chamber 32.Such jets are known in the art. The approximately 250 psi pressuredifference between storage tanks 18 and 20 and chamber 32 causes thelatter to be repressurized with a blast of gas that passes through thejets and directly into the garments. This is illustrated by line 84 inFIG. 1K. By repeating the procedure of FIGS. 1J and 1K, the carbondioxide liquid within the garments is removed and the garments are“fluffed.” Testing has shown that two such “blasts” are usuallysufficient to remove nearly all of the liquid carbon dioxide from thegarments.

After the last “blast” of carbon dioxide gas, chamber 32 contains theliquid carbon dioxide removed from the garments and is at a pressure ofabout 650 psi. The liquid removed from the garments contains anabundance of soil and dies and thus requires distillation. To transferthis liquid to still 70, the method illustrated in FIG. 1L is employed.First, still 70 is connected to transfer tank 12. The pressuredifference between the two causes a portion of the liquid carbon dioxidein still 70 to flow to transfer tank 12 as indicated by line 86. Thisdecreases the pressure within still 70 so that it is significantly belowthe pressure of chamber 32. As a result, the liquid within chamber 32 istransferred to still 70 as indicated by line 88.

Referring to FIG. 1M, with the dry cleaning process now complete,chamber 32 must be depressurized so that the chamber door 34 may beopened and the garments removed. Accordingly, the suction side ofcompressor 14 is connected to chamber 32 while the discharge side isconnected to storage tanks 18 and 20. The carbon dioxide gas withinchamber 32 is then extracted and used to pressurize storage tanks 18 and20 back up to approximately 650 to 690 psi, as indicated by lines 90 and92. Fine screen diffusers, which are known in the art, may be placed inthe bottom of the storage tanks so that the gas returned will be moreefficiently diffused into the liquid. When the pressure in chamber 32drops to 400 psi, the discharge side of compressor 14 is preferablyconfigured via line 93 to deliver gas solely to transfer tank 12. Thisis done so that compressor 14 is not overloaded and heat is notproduced. After chamber 32 is depressurized, the pressure therein isapproximately 50 to 65 psi. At this pressure, chamber 32 contains lessthan 1% of the carbon dioxide that it contained when it was full.Accordingly, chamber 32 may be vented to the atmosphere, as indicated byline 94, without causing significant waste. With the chamber atatmospheric pressure, chamber door 34 may be safely opened and thegarments removed.

The various configurations described above, and illustrated in FIGS. 1Athrough 1M, are achieved by the manipulation of a number of valves. Forexample, in reference to FIG. 1A, valves 102, 104 and 106 controlcommunication with the head spaces of tanks 12, 18 and 20, respectively.Such valves are well known in the art.

Control of the system valves preferably is automated by way of amicrocomputer. More specifically, the sequencing of the valves, so thatthe system operates as described above, is preferably controlled by amicrocomputer that is responsive to signals generated by temperature,pressure and liquid level sensors positioned within tanks 12, 18 and 20and cleaning chamber 32. The microcomputer preferably includes a timeras well that allows it to configure the valves for a predeterminedperiod of time. Such microcomputers and their operation are known tothose skilled in the art. Suitable microcomputers are available, forexample, from the Z-World corporation of Davis, Calif.

Referring to FIG. 1C, for example, as carbon dioxide gas flows intochamber 32 through valve 106, and the other open valves along line 44, asensor within chamber 32 monitors the pressure therein. When thispressure sensor detects that the pressure within chamber 32 has risen to70 psi, it sends a signal to a microprocessor which in turn closes valve106, and the other valves along line 44, so that the flow of carbondioxide gas into chamber 32 ceases.

As another example, as agitation is being performed in the mannerillustrated in FIG. 1F, a timer tracks the time interval. When oneminute has passed, the timer signals a microprocessor which thenreconfigures the valves to the arrangement shown in FIG. 1G so thatagitation may be reversed. Alternatively, pressure sensors positionedwithin storage tank 18 and cleaning chamber 32 may signal amicroprocessor to reconfigure the system valves to the arrangement shownin FIG. 1G when a pressure drop across the cleaning nozzles 53 (FIG. 1F)occurs. A pressure sensor positioned in storage tank 20 may be used incombination with the pressure sensor in the cleaning chamber toaccomplish a similar function.

The pressure sensors within the storage tanks 18 and 20 and cleaningchamber 32 may also be utilized to control the pressure across thenozzles 53 (FIG. 1F) and 61 (FIG. 1G), that is, the agitation pressure,so that delicate fabrics or objects are not damaged during agitation.This may be accomplished using the agitation control system illustratedin FIG. 2. The pressure sensors 120 and 122 in tanks 18 and 20,respectively, are in communication with a control means such asmicroprocessor 124. The control means may alternatively take the form ofa process controller such as those made by the Allen Bradley Company ora similar device. A pressure sensor 126 in cleaning chamber 32 is alsoin communication with the microprocessor. A selector means such asswitch 130 allows an operator to select, for example, a fabric settingthat is communicated to the microprocessor. During the agitation cycle,the microprocessor adjusts the loading of the compressor 14 based uponthe setting of switch 130 so that the pressure differential between thetanks 18 and 20, when pressurized, and the chamber 32 is controlled. Asa result, the pressures from the nozzles in the cleaning chamber arecontrolled.

As is known in the art, differential pressure gauges may be utilized todetermine the liquid levels within the storage tanks 18 and 20. Whenliquid carbon dioxide under high pressure is contained within thestorage tanks, however, condensation may form in the normally gas-filledexternal tubes of the differential pressure gauges so as to provideerroneous readings. To prevent this problem, the external tubes of thedifferential pressure gauges may be equipped with heaters incommunication with temperature controllers. Heating the external tubesprevents the condensation.

The system of FIGS. 1A through 1M offers significant advantages overother carbon dioxide dry cleaning systems. The system moves the liquidcarbon dioxide without the use of pumps, instead relying upon a singlecompressor to pressurize the appropriate carbon dioxide storage tankswith carbon dioxide gas. The density of gaseous carbon dioxide is onlyabout one-sixth of the density of liquid carbon dioxide at the pressuresinvolved. As a result, much less mass is moved by the compressor inmotivating the liquid carbon dioxide than if pumps moved the liquiddirectly. By handling less mass, the compressor suffers less wear andthus offers greater reliability and lower maintenance requirements ascompared to cryogenic pumps. In addition, such compressors generallycost less than pumps.

The still 70 is advantageous over the distillation apparatus' of othercarbon dioxide dry cleaning systems in that it does not employ anelectric heater or a heat exchanger. This increases its reliabilitywhile decreasing its cost and maintenance requirements.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a second embodiment of the system of the presentinvention. With the exception of the features discussed below, thesystem of FIGS. 3A and 3B operates in the same manner as the system ofFIGS. 1A-1M. Accordingly, components that are common between FIGS. 3Aand 3B and FIGS. 1A-1M will feature the same reference numbers.

As described earlier in reference to FIG. 1C, the head space of eitherstorage tank 18 or 20 may be temporarily connected to the cleaningchamber 32. As a result, the cleaning chamber is pressurized so that itmay be filled with liquid carbon dioxide without the formation of dryice or the occurrence of thermal shock. Alternatively, as illustrated byline 150 in FIG. 3A, the head space of transfer tank 12 may be connectedto the cleaning chamber 32 to accomplish the same result. In addition,as illustrated by line 152, liquid carbon dioxide from the transfer tankmay be added to the cleaning chamber. This may be done at the beginningof a cleaning cycle, that is, immediately after the processesillustrated in FIG. 1C or by line 150 in FIG. 3A, to replenish thesolvent lost during the previous cleaning cycle. As a result, solventmay be added to the system without the use of a pump or compressor.

Additives for enhancing cleaning such as surfactants, anti-staticagents, detergents and deodorants may be injected into the liquid carbondioxide via the solvent additive dispenser indicated at 160 in FIG. 3A.The dispenser contains a supply of additive with a head spacethereabove. The dispenser head space may be placed in communication withthe head space of either storage tank-18 or 20 via line 162. The liquidside of the dispenser may be accessed either internally by a dip tube orexternally through a port so that the additive may travel through line164. As a result, during agitation (FIG. 1F), the dispenser ispressurized as tank 18 (for example) is pressurized so that additive isinjected into the liquid carbon dioxide traveling from the cleaningchamber 32 to storage tank 20.

As illustrated in FIG. 3A, line 164 features a check valve 165 thatprevents liquid carbon dioxide from reaching the additive dispenser 160.This prevents the formation of dry ice in the additive dispenser 160when the dispenser is depressurized for replenishment of the solventadditive.

As indicated at 170 in FIG. 3A, a heat sink is connected to the outletof the compressor 14. Heat from the compressed carbon dioxide gasexiting the compressor is transferred to the heat sink during theagitation (FIGS. 1F and 1G) and chamber pressure reduction (FIG. 1J)cycles. As a result, the carbon dioxide gas is cooled before it entersstorage tanks 18 and 20. The undesired heating of the solvent in thestorage tanks is therefore minimized.

The interior of the cleaning chamber is cooled as a result of thepressure reduction of FIG. 1J. Carbon dioxide gas within the cleaningchamber may be circulated through the heat sink 170 and returned to thecleaning chamber, as illustrated by lines 172 and 174 in FIG. 3B. Thecirculated carbon dioxide gas is warmed by the heat sink so that theinterior of the chamber is warmed. As a result, the removal of solventfrom the cleaning chamber contents is enhanced. Heat sink 170 thereforeacts as a “thermal battery” by storing the heat from previous cycles foruse in warming the cleaning chamber. The compressor 14 is run at verylow compression during this circulation.

As explained in reference to FIG. 1F, a refrigeration circuit 64 may beused to cool liquid carbon dioxide as it flows to the cleaning chamber.This allows the chamber to be cooled if it has warmed up between garmentloads or overnight. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, arecondensing coil 180 may be placed within storage tank 20. Therecondensing coil communicates with the refrigeration circuit 64 via aheat exchanger 181. This allows the liquid carbon dioxide within storagetank 20 to be cooled before it is transferred to the cleaning chamber.As a result, the cleaning chamber is cooled as it receives the cooledliquid carbon dioxide. As indicated by lines 182 and 184, the heat sink170 may also communicate with the refrigeration circuit 64 via heatexchanger 181. This allows the temperature of the heat sink to becontrolled.

In FIG. 4, a third embodiment of the carbon dioxide dry cleaning systemof the present invention is shown. A cold transfer tank 212 contains asupply of liquid carbon dioxide, preferably with cleansing additives, ata pressure of about 200 to 250 psi. Transfer tank 212 may be refilledfrom a mobile delivery tank in a conventional manner.

A cleaning or wash chamber 232 contains soiled garments and has a volumeless than that of a storage tank 218. To commence the dry cleaningprocess, most of the air in chamber 232 must be evacuated to prevent theaddition of water to the cleaning fluid. This is accomplished throughline 234 and vacuum compressor 236.

Chamber 232 is then pressurized to an intermediate pressure ofapproximately 70 psi by communication with the head space of externalstill 238 which, as will be explained below, contains carbon dioxidevapor at a pressure of approximately 800 psi. The head space of still238 and the wash chamber 232 communicate via lines 239 and 234. A steamsupply line 241 is in communication with a source of steam (not shown)and the still 238. As a result, heat is supplied to the still so thatits pressure may be increased back to approximately 800 psi after vaporis transferred to the wash chamber 232. Alternative forms of heating thestill, such as an electric blanket or heater, may alternatively be used.Wash chamber 232 may alternatively be pressurized to an intermediatepressure by communication with the head space of transfer tank 212 vialines 220, 222 and 224.

Once chamber 232 is pressurized to an intermediate pressure, liquidcarbon dioxide may be transferred thereto from transfer tank 212 via diptube 226 and lines 222 and 224 to make up for liquid carbon dioxide lostduring previous cycles.

After the system is replenished with liquid carbon dioxide, the headspace of still 238 is once again placed in communication with chamber232 via lines 239 and 234. The resulting reduction in pressure in still238 causes the liquid carbon dioxide therein to boil so that nearly noliquid remains and vapor is transferred to the chamber 232 until thepressures within the two equalize at approximately 420 psi. Thisprocedure allows chamber 232 to be pressurized without lowering thetemperature or pressure of the fluid stored in storage tank 218. Thesteam supply line 241 may be operated to assist in vaporizing all of theliquid within still 238. Once chamber 232 is pressurized, valve 242 isclosed to isolate still 238 from chamber 232.

The residue of soluble contaminants, such as soils and dyes, collect inthe bottom of the still 238 as the liquid carbon dioxide therein boils.This residue may removed by periodically opening valve 243 after all ofthe liquid has been transferred to the chamber. The pressure within thestill forces the residue out of line 244 when valve 243 is opened.

Chamber 232 next is partially filled with a quantity of liquid carbondioxide that is slightly less than the capacity of still 238. As anexample only, still 238 may have a capacity of approximately 17 gallons.This partial fill of the chamber 232, which is done in preparation forthe prewash cycle, is done in two steps: the gentle step and thevigorous step. During the gentle step, the liquid side of storage tank218 is placed in communication with the interior of chamber 232 vialines 246 and 247 and nozzles 248. The pressure difference between tank218 and chamber 232 then causes the liquid carbon dioxide to flow to thelatter.

The prewash fill is completed during the vigorous step by connectingchamber 232 to the suction side of a compressor 214 via lines 234, 250and 252 and the discharge side to the head space of storage tank 218 vialines 254, 256 and 258. This allows gas to be extracted from chamber 232and storage tank 218 to be pressurized. The resulting pressuredifference causes liquid carbon dioxide to flow from storage tank 218 tochamber 232 through lines 246 and 247 and nozzles 248. The flow ofliquid carbon dioxide into chamber 232 through nozzles 248 agitates thegarments or other objects in chamber 232 such that insoluble soils areremoved. Upon completion of the prewash fill, chamber 232 is containsliquid carbon dioxide at a pressure of about 650 to 690 psi and atemperature of about 54° F. (a temperature at which it is an effectivesolvent).

To provide a greater variety and more accurate pressurization,compressor 214 may optionally be a two-stage compressor. Gas travels tothe inlet of the first stage of compressor 214 through line 216. Ifsecond stage compression is desired, gas exiting the first stage isdirected through line 217 where heat exchanger 215 is encountered. Heatexchanger 215 allows the gas traveling to the second stage of thecompressor to be cooled or heated if necessary. Line 218 carries the gasfrom the heat exchanger 215 to the inlet of the second stage of thecompressor. Gas ultimately exits the compressor through line 254. Thetemperature of heat exchanger 215 may be controlled via a connectionwith a refrigeration circuit, indicated in general at 219.

A basket 260 is rotatably mounted within chamber 232 via a shaft 261that is supported by a bearing cartridge 262. Preferably, the bearingcartridge 262 includes a leak detection and management system 263 asdescribed in pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/716,098 which is alsoowned by the present assignee. A motor 264 is activated to turn therotating basket 260 via a drive mechanism 266 so that the garments mayundergo further agitation so that additional insoluble soils are removedtherefrom. Suitable drive mechanisms 266 are known in the art andinclude gear, shaft, belt and chain arrangements. During the prewashcycle, the rotating basket preferably is operated at a speed ofapproximately thirty revolutions per minute for approximately oneminute.

After the prewash cycle, the suction side of compressor 214 is connectedto the head space of still 238 via lines 276, 278, 258, 268 and 252. Thedischarge side of compressor 214 is connected to chamber 232 via lines254 and 234. The bottom of chamber 232 is connected to the inlet side ofa filter 270 by lines 224 and 272. A filter bypass line 274 runs fromthe inlet side of the filter to the head space of still 238. Uponoperation of compressor 214, all of the liquid carbon dioxide in chamber232 is transferred to still 238 in an unfiltered condition. As a result,still 238 contains liquid carbon dioxide at a pressure of approximately700 psi and drained chamber 232 is at a pressure of approximately 700psi.

After the chamber 232 has been drained, still 238 is isolated from thehead space of storage tank 218 and filter 270 through closure of valves282 and 284, respectively. As will be explained below, carbon dioxidegas is introduced into still 238 during the chamber pressure reductioncycle to bring the pressure therein up to approximately 800 psi. As aresult, still 238 is prepared for use and distillation during theprewash cycle for the next load of garments to be cleaned.

The first wash cycle is initiated by again connecting chamber 232 to thesuction side of compressor 214 and the discharge side of the compressorto the head space of the storage tank 218. The bottom of storage tank218 is placed in communication with wash chamber 232 via lines 246 and247 and nozzles 248. Upon activation of the compressor, the garmentswithin chamber 232 are agitated via nozzles 248 as the chamber isrefilled to a level of approximately one-half to two-thirds full withliquid carbon dioxide at a pressure of about 650 to 690 psi and atemperature of about 54° F. The basket 260 is again rotated to agitatethe garments therein further at a speed of, for example, thirtyrevolutions per minute. Preferably, the basket rotation/agitation occursfor a period of roughly four minutes.

Upon completion of the first wash cycle, the suction and discharge sidesof compressor 214 are again connected to the head spaces of storage tank218 and chamber 232, respectively. The bottom of chamber 232 is placedin communication with the inlet side of filter 270. Valve 284 in bypassline 274 remains closed. As a result, all of the liquid from the chamber232 is directed through the filter 270 and the charcoal bed 285positioned therein. The charcoal bed 285 removes dyes and odors from theliquid carbon dioxide. The filtered liquid carbon dioxide exits thefilter outlet side and travels to the bottom of storage tank 218 vialines 286, 288 and 246. A diffuser 292 is used to disperse the filteredliquid as it rejoins the liquid remaining in tank 218.

A detergent dispenser 294 communicates with the outlet side of filter270 via line 296. As liquid carbon dioxide drained from chamber 232passes through filter 270, a venturi effect causes detergent to bewithdrawn from dispenser 294. This detergent travels through line 296and is added to the stream of liquid carbon dioxide exiting filter 270.The injection of detergent, or other additives such as softeners,downstream of filter 270 allows for complete mixing of the detergent andliquid carbon dioxide as it travels towards and into storage tank 218.

Four additional wash cycles of the type described above preferably areperformed. No detergent is added, however, during the drain of liquidcarbon dioxide from the wash chamber after the fourth/last wash cycle.

During one or more of the wash cycles, an operation whereby the liquidcarbon dioxide in chamber 232 is warmed may optionally be performed.This warming operation is performed during the agitation stage of a washcycle. The head space of tank 218 is connected to the suction side ofcompressor 214 via lines 258, 268 and 252. The discharge side ofcompressor 214 is connected to the nozzles 248 of wash chamber 232 vialines 254, 288, 246 and 247. With the system placed in thisconfiguration, operation of the compressor reduces the pressure withintank 218 so that the liquid therein boils. The vapor produced thereby iswithdrawn from tank 218 by compressor 214 and introduced into chamber232 through nozzles 248. As a result, the liquid carbon dioxide withinchamber 232 is pressurized to approximately 840 psi and warmed toapproximately 70° F. At this temperature and pressure, the solventproperties of the liquid carbon dioxide and detergent within chamber 232are enhanced.

An added benefit of the warming operation is that the temperature andpressure of the liquid carbon dioxide remaining in tank 218 are bothdecreased. This compensates for the return of the warm solvent gas fromchamber 232 during the drainage stage of the wash cycle. In other words,the warming of the liquid in chamber 232 is offset by the cooling of theliquid within tank 218 so that the overall system temperature remainsbalanced.

In the event of a system malfunction during the wash cycle, the valvesleading to and from the wash chamber 232 may be closed. If this occurswhen the wash chamber is nearly full of liquid carbon dioxide, thepressure therein could build very rapidly. The system is equipped with amain pressure relief valve 298 that permits the chamber to vent to theexterior of the plant that houses the system. The main pressure reliefvalve 298 opens when the pressure within the wash chamber 232 reaches1000 psi. This produces a very loud and unnerving sound, however.

In order to maintain protection from over-pressurization of the washchamber, but to prevent the activation of the main pressure reliefvalve, the system is provided with a pressure relief valve, such asspring-loaded check valve 302, that is positioned within line 278. Line278, when check valve 302 is open, permits solvent to flow from the headspace of chamber 232 to the head space of supply tank 218. The systemalso includes a pressure relief valve, such as spring-loaded check valve304, that is positioned in circuit between the outlet side of filter 270and the line 278 leading to the head space of supply tank 218.Spring-loaded check valve 304 prevents over-pressurization of filter 270due to liquid carbon dioxide that may trapped therein.

Both spring-loaded check valves 302 and 304 are set to open when thepressures on their inlet (chamber and filter, respectively) sides becomeapproximately 100 psi higher than the pressure on their outlet/supplytank sides. Given that the pressure in supply tank 218 is approximately700 psi, the spring-loaded check valves 302 and 304 limit the pressuresin the chamber and filter, respectively, to approximately 800 psi. Assuch, both check valves 302 and 304 will operate before main pressurerelief valve 298.

As described above, during the warming operation that may optionally beperformed during the agitation stage of a wash cycle, the pressure ofthe liquid carbon dioxide within the chamber 232 may be increased to 840psi. Accordingly, when the optional warming operation is performed,check valve 302 must be disabled so that it does not open. This may beaccomplished by closing valve 306 in line 278.

After the last wash cycle, two rinse cycles are performed using the sameprocedure except that agitation is performed only for approximately oneminute during each of the rinse cycles and no detergent is added duringdrainage of the wash chamber.

A heat exchanger 307 communicates with the outlet of compressor 214 andis heated by gas exiting the compressor during the liquid fills ofchamber 232. As a result, the gas traveling to storage tank 218 iscooled to minimize the undesired heating of the liquid carbon dioxidestored therein. As described with respect to FIG. 3A, the refrigerationcircuit 219 may be used to control the temperature of heat exchanger307.

After the second rinse cycle, the wash chamber 232 is at a pressure ofapproximately 650 psi and is empty of carbon dioxide liquid, except fora small amount trapped between the fibers of the garments. The remainingliquid in the garments is removed by a spin cycle during which thebasket 260 containing the garments preferably is rotated atapproximately 180 rpm for approximately two minutes.

The head space of supply tank 218 is again connected to the suction sideof compressor 214 while the discharge side of the compressor isconnected to the head space of chamber 232. The bottom of chamber 232 isconnected to the bottom/liquid side of tank 218 with filter 270 incircuit there between. As a result, operation of compressor 214 forcesthe liquid removed from the garments out of chamber 232, through filter270 and to tank 218.

The system is configured to recirculate the gas within chamber 232 andwarm its interior and contents by connecting the head space of thechamber to the suction side of compressor 214. The discharge side ofcompressor 214 is connected to the nozzles 248 of the chamber via lines254, 288, 246 and 247. Operation of compressor causes gas to bewithdrawn from chamber 232 and directed to the heat exchanger 307 whereit is warmed. The warmed gas is then delivered into the chamber throughthe nozzles so that the garments within the chamber are “fluffed.” Thebasket 260 within the chamber may optionally be rotated so that thefluffing of the garments is enhanced. The gas recirculation/fluffingcycle preferably is performed for approximately two minutes.

The gas recirculation/fluffing cycle may optionally be enhanced byproviding a flow restrictor such as orifice 313. As illustrated in FIG.4, flow restrictor 313 may be placed in parallel with valve 315 so thatvalve 315 may be closed to force gas through the restrictor. With thesystem of FIG. 4 thus configured, gas withdrawn from chamber 232encounters the flow restrictor 313 prior to entering compressor 214. Asa result, compressor 214 must work harder to circulate the gas. Thiscauses the compression ratio between the gas entering the compressor andthat leaving the compressor to be high enough that the temperature ofthe gas is raised significantly. Accordingly, warmer gas is delivered tothe chamber 232 for enhanced fluffing. The decompression that occursacross the flow restrictor 313 cools the gas slightly as it travelsthere through. Heat exchanger 215 may be used to warm the gas slightlyas is travels to the second stage of the compressor to offset thetemperature decrease across flow restrictor 313.

The pressure within chamber 232 must be decreased to atmospheric beforethe cleaned garments may be removed. This is accomplished by connectingthe head space of chamber 232 to the suction side of compressor 214 andthe discharge side of the compressor to the liquid side of still 238 vialines 254, 288, 246 and 308. The compressor then withdraws gas fromchamber 232 and delivers it to still 238 until the pressure within thelatter is raised to approximately 800 psi. The carbon dioxide gas fromthe compressor is then redirected to the liquid side of tank 218 anddiffuser 292. As a result, the carbon dioxide gas from chamber 232 isbubbled into the liquid carbon dioxide of tank 218 until the pressurewithin tank 218 is increased to approximately 650 to 690 psi.

As explained with respect to FIG. 3A, recondensing coils 311 may bepositioned within the head space of storage tank 218. The recondensingcoils communicate with the refrigeration circuit 219. As a result, thecoils cool the gas that has traveled through the liquid to the headspace after delivery to the liquid side of tank 218 during the gasrecovery/despressurization cycle. This allows the pressure andtemperature within tank 218 to be controlled.

After chamber 232 is depressurized, the pressure therein isapproximately 50 to 60 psi. This remaining pressure may be safely ventedto the atmosphere via lines 234 and 235. The chamber door 310 may thenbe safely opened and the garments removed.

FIG. 5 illustrates the system of FIG. 4 with the addition of componentsthat allow for constant filtration of the liquid carbon dioxide duringthe wash cycle. More specifically, a line 312 has been added betweenlines 254 and 272. A venturi or eductor 314 is positioned within line312 and communicates with line 224 via line 316.

As described previously, during the wash cycle, wash chamber 232 isapproximately one-half to two-thirds full with liquid carbon dioxide ata pressure of about 650 to 690 psi and a temperature of about 54° F. Thebasket 260 is rotated to agitate the garments therein. To provideconstant filtration of the liquid carbon dioxide therein, the top ofchamber 232 is connected via lines 234, 250 and 252 to the suction sideof compressor 214 while the discharge side of compressor 214 is placedin communication with lines 254 and 312. As a result, gas is withdrawnfrom the head space of chamber 232 and is directed through eductor 314.

Liquid carbon dioxide is withdrawn from the bottom of chamber 232 vialines 224 and 316 and mixes with the carbon dioxide gas flowing througheductor 314. The liquid, propelled by the flow of liquid carbon dioxidegas, travels to filter 270 via line 272. The filtered liquid travelsthrough lines 286, 288 and 246 to nozzles 248 whereby it is reintroducedinto chamber 232.

A fourth embodiment of the system of the present invention isillustrated in FIG. 6. This embodiment includes generally all of thecomponents of the embodiment of FIG. 4 with the addition of a still 320positioned within the storage tank 418. The system of FIG. 6 operates inthe same manner as the system of FIG. 4 with the exception that afterthe second/last rinse cycle, the liquid carbon dioxide drained from thewash chamber 432 is directed to the internal still 320.

The system of FIG. 6 performs prewash, wash and rinse cycles in themanner described for the system of FIG. 4. This includes thereplenishment of liquid carbon dioxide to the system from transfer tank412, transfer of liquid carbon dioxide between storage tank 418 and washchamber 432 by compressor 414 and drain after a prewash cycle to anexternal still 438.

After the agitation of the second and final rinse cycle has beencompleted, the bottom of wash chamber 432 is connected to the inlet sideof filter 470 by line 472. In addition, the inlet side of filter 470 isplaced in communication with the head space of internal still 320 vialines 474, 476 and 478. The suction side of compressor 414 is connectedto the head space of storage tank 418 via lines 482, 484 and 486. Thedischarge side of compressor 414 is connected to chamber 432 via lines488, 492 and 494. Accordingly, compressor 414 extracts gas from tank 418and uses it to pressurize chamber 432. This causes the liquid carbondioxide in chamber 432 to flow through line 472, the inlet side offilter 470 and lines 474, 476 and 478 to the internal still 320 so thatit is filled with liquid carbon dioxide at a pressure of approximatley650 to 690 psi. Once the still is filled, the remaining liquid carbondioxide from chamber 432 is directed to the liquid side of storage tank418 via lines 478 and 496.

As with the system of FIG. 4, the system of FIG. 6 next performs a spincycle whereby the liquid remaining in the garments within chamber 432 isremoved. This liquid is drained from chamber 432, filtered by filter 470and returned to storage tank 418 by operation of compressor 414 and agas recirculation/fluffing cycle is performed, all in the mannerdescribed for the system of FIG. 4.

The pressure within chamber 432 must be reduced to atmospheric beforethe cleaned garments may be removed therefrom. As described with respectto the system of FIG. 4, this is accomplished by connecting the headspace of chamber 432 to the suction side of compressor 414 via lines494, 484 and 486. The discharge side of the compressor is placed incommunication with the head space of external still 438 by lines 488,492 and 498. Compressor 414 withdraws gas from chamber 432 and deliversit to external still 438 until the latter is pressurized toapproximately 800 psi.

Once the external still 438 is pressurized to the appropriate level, thehead space of internal still 320 is placed in communication with chamber432 via line 478. In addition, the carbon dioxide gas from compressor414 is redirected to the liquid side of storage tank 418 via lines 492,502 and 496. As result, the carbon dioxide gas enters the liquid instorage tank 418 until the pressure in the tank increases toapproximately 650 to 690 psi. At this point, the chamber 432 has beendepressurized to approximately 50 to 60 psi. As described for the systemof FIG. 4, this remaining pressure in the chamber may be safely ventedto the atmosphere so that the chamber may be opened and the garmentsremoved therefrom.

Due to the connection between chamber 432 and internal still 320, ascompressor 414 removes carbon dioxide gas from chamber 432, the pressurewithin still 320 is also reduced. Furthermore, when compressor 414directs carbon dioxide gas removed from chamber 432 to the liquid sideof tank 418, the liquid in the tank surrounding the internal still iswarmed. Both occurrences cause the liquid carbon dioxide within internalstill 320 to boil. As the liquid carbon dioxide in still 320 vaporizes,soil and dye residue is left behind inside the still shell. The carbondioxide vapor is removed from internal still 320, travels throughchamber 432 and ultimately arrives at storage tank 418 where it iscondensed into the liquid carbon dioxide contained therein. Similar toexternal still 438, the residue may be removed from the bottom ofinternal still 320 by periodically opening valve 504 so that the residueis blasted out of line 506 due to the pressure remaining in still 320.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the internal still 320 is surrounded by acylindrical shroud 508. Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the shroudcovers approximately the bottom half of internal still 320 and extendssomewhat beneath it. Shroud 508 is preferably constructed of metal andis open at the top and bottom. The shroud improves the efficiency of thedistillation process performed by internal still 320. More specifically,the warmer carbon dioxide gas from the chamber 432 and compressor 414 isdirected by line portion 510 into the annular space defined between theexterior surface of the sidewall of internal still 320 and shroud 508 asit enters tank 418. This provides two benefits. First, the warmer carbondioxide gas is concentrated around the internal still so that the stillsidewall is more efficiently heated. Second, the shroud 508 generallyseparates the warm carbon dioxide gas, and the liquid warmed thereby,from the remaining liquid carbon dioxide in tank 418 until heat isremoved therefrom by still 320. As a result, the remaining liquid carbondioxide in tank 418 remains cooler.

The systems of FIGS. 4-6, like the system of FIGS. 1A through 1M,feature a number of control valves. The operation of these valves mayalso be automated by the use of a microcomputer, process controller orsimilar device.

It is to be understood that the pressures and temperatures presentedabove are for example purposes only and that they are in no way intendedto limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, while the preferredembodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will beapparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications maybe made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention, thescope of which is defined by the appended claims.

1-9. (canceled)
 10. A method for cleaning or sterilizing objects in aliquid fluid cleaning system comprising a high-pressure storing/workingvessel, a cleaning chamber, and a low-pressure supply vessel, the methodcomprising the steps of: (i) loading the cleaning chamber with objectsto be cleaned or sterilized; (ii) supplying cleaning fluid to thecleaning chamber from the low-pressure supply vessel by means ofpressure difference; (iii) supplying cleaning fluid to the cleaningchamber from the high-pressure storing/working vessel; (iv) cleaning theobjects in the cleaning chamber with the cleaning fluid; (v)transferring cleaning fluid from the cleaning chamber to thehigh-pressure storing/working vessel; and (vi) unloading the cleanedobjects from the cleaning chamber.
 11. In a liquid fluid based cleaningsystem, comprising a high-pressure customer application system includinga cleaning chamber and a storing/working tank interconnected via a firsttube system, a method for the cleaning or sterilizing of objects, e.g.,garments, fabrics, substrates, complex materials or the like, comprisingthe steps of: (i) loading the objects to be cleaned or sterilized intothe cleaning chamber; (ii) closing the cleaning chamber; (iii)evacuating major part of the air in the cleaning chamber; (iv) supplyinga predetermined amount of cleaning fluid, pure or with additives, to thecleaning chamber from a customer supply system including a low-pressureliquid supply tank with cleaning fluid, pure or with additives, of apressure higher than the present cleaning chamber pressure via a secondtube system by simply, during a predetermined period of time, opening avalve of said second tube system; (v) cleaning or sterilizing theobjects by, during a predetermined period of time, circulating cleaningfluid, pure or with additives, or by agitating the objects; (vi)emptying the cleaning chamber from major part of the cleaning fluid bytransfer it to the storing/working tank; (vii) opening the cleaningchamber, and thereby letting a predetermined amount of cleaning fluidleave the application system, which amount corresponds mainly to thesupplied amount of cleaning fluid or to the supplied amount of cleaningfluid divided by some integer; and (viii) unloading the cleaned orsterilized objects.
 12. The method as defined in claim 11, comprisingchoosing carbon dioxide as the cleaning fluid.
 13. The method as definedin claim 12, wherein the step of supplying comprises transferring thepredetermined amount of carbon dioxide completely, or at least to amajor extent, in its liquid phase.
 14. The method as defined in claim11, wherein the low-pressure liquid supply tank is located remote fromthe application system to allow for installation of the customerapplication system in a cramped space.
 15. The method as defined inclaim 11, wherein the low-pressure liquid supply tank has a fillingmeans including an outdoors mounted connection socket in its far end,and wherein the liquid supply tank is filled through the connectionsocket from a low-pressure distribution unit, comprising a mobile tank,at time intervals, e.g., of one or two weeks.